However, the increase is not permanent, and the Legislature will consider the financial challenges facing TPWD again when it meets starting in January.
Parks and wildlife supporters say much more needs to be done.
State parks were in such disrepair, the Legislature in 2007 increased funding for a two-year quick fix.
But money that’s intended for continuing TPWD use is being diverted for other purposes, and that’s not changing.
A sales tax on sporting goods produces about $100 million per year, but only $32 million a year goes to TPWD, unadjusted for inflation.
Supporters of state parks and wildlife activities say they believe the cap on funding from the tax is unconstitutional.
A fight over the issue is develop-ing even before the new legislative session.
What’s happened since 2007: An interim committee was established by the Legislature to look at lifting the cap on funding TPWD. A report has not been forthcoming, even though the session starts in two months.
A petition signed by more than 2,000 calling for “a long-term solution to give Texans the world-class parks system we deserve” was delivered in late September to Lt. Gov. Dewhurst.
The Sunset Commission conducted its official review of TPWD. Staff findings did not address state parks, but issued recommendations on how the agency could improve hunting, fishing, camping, boating and game warden programs.
TPWD contracted with a third-party vendor to study the parks system. That study was delivered to the governor on Oct. 1.
The state comptroller’s office studied the economic impact of Texas state parks. They found the parks generate a significant amount of income.
Economic Impact of State Parks: Out-of-state visitors to Texas parks contribute $15.7 million in gross state product; $8 million in personal income; and 288 new jobs each year.
Urban state parks mitigate envi-ronmental impacts such as pollution, creating 4,000 jobs; $233 million in gross state product; and $154 million in personal income each year.
In each county with a park, non-local visitors and staff generate about $3 million in retail sales and $1.5 million in resident income each year.
